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The Journey - October 9, 2013

2013Oct 09

COMMENTS

The Great Commission | Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

It’s called the Great Commission. It does not offer suggestions but four distinct commands. Jesus was clear that those who follow Him must follow hard after Him. We have work to do. Life is short and eternity is long. We are called to “make hay while the sun shines” (as my mom was fond of saying). Let’s check out these four commands.

GO! Jesus calls us to action. Life with Jesus is more than simply reading another theological book, or attending a Christian conference. Those things are needed for refueling but Christians don’t live at the “gas station.” It’s time to get on the road and go!

MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS! Disciplemaking includes leading a person to Christ, but it doesn’t stop there. Jesus does not call us to mass produce nominal Christians. We are commanded to help people throughout the world become rooted in the foundations of the faith.

BAPTIZE! Baptism is a public demonstration of what Jesus has done inside. It is driving a spiritual stake in the ground. In essence, baptism is the ordinance that says, “I’m all in!”

TEACH! We must accurately explain God's inerrant authoritative Word with practical application. Bible knowledge is not for making our heads bigger but is for making our hearts stronger. Knowing what the Bible says is the starting line; doing what the Bible says is participating in the race.

And check this out. Wherever we go, we are never alone. Jesus is always with us...even to the end. That great promise is the exclamation to the Great Commission.

Lord Jesus, give us courage to go, urgency to make disciples, commitment to baptize, and passion to teach. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.